Mukhbir Singh: First Canadian-born World Sikh Organization President

Canada: The World Sikh Organization of Canada held its biennial convention on February 27 in Mississauga, Ontario, where for the first time in its 32-year history, a Canadian-born Sikh was selected to lead the organization. Mukhbir Singh was unanimously chosen to serve as President for the next two years.

Born and raised in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec, Mukhbir Singh is tri-lingual, with a proficiency in both official languages and Punjabi. Singh is an actuary and holds a Master’s degree in Finance (MSc) from Concordia University. He currently resides in Ottawa. Mukhbir Singh is an active member of both the Montreal and Ottawa Sikh communities. From 2011 to 2015, he served as the WSO Vice-President for Quebec and the Atlantic Region.

Mukhbir Singh is joined by the Senior Vice President of the WSO, Jasbir Kaur Randhawa, who is based out of British Columbia. She is a leading educator and has been recognized with numerous awards for her community service and contribution to the field of early childhood education.

Mukhbir Singh will lead a 31-member Board of Directors selected from across Canada. The Board also includes the highest number of second and third generation Canadian Sikhs in the organization’s history.

The World Sikh Organization of Canada’s 2016-2017 Executive:

President – Mukhbir Singh

Senior VP – Jasbir Kaur Randhawa

Director of Finance – Jagdeep Singh Mann

Director of Administration – Rupinder Kaur Dhaliwal

VP B C – Sukhpreet Singh

VP Alberta – Tejinder Singh Sidhu

VP Central Canada – Jasbeer Singh

VP Ontario – Mr. Prabhmeet Singh Sarkaria

VP Quebec and Atlantic – Amrit Kaur

Outgoing President Dr Amritpal Singh Shergill said, “It has been a privilege to serve as President of WSO Canada for the past two years. The Canadian Sikh community is very fortunate to have so many talented young professionals that are committed to community service and social justice. Our transition team has done an excellent job of bringing on refreshing new voices.”

Mukhbir Singh said, “I am truly honored to have been selected for this role. The WSO has a proud track record of service not just to Sikhs but to the cause of human rights for all Canadians. During the past 4 years, I have had the opportunity to see first-hand the positive impact of WSO’s 30-year legacy. As we formulate our two-year plan, I look forward to meeting with members of the Sikh community as well as other key stakeholders, to see how WSO can best meet everyone’s needs to ensure a brighter future for us all.”

Indian dishes available in Moscow during FIFA World Cup 2018, representational image, wikimedia commons

June 17, 2018:

Restaurateurs Prodyut and Sumana Mukherjee have not only brought Indian cuisine to the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2018 here but also plan to dish out free dinner to countrymen if Argentina wins the trophy on July 15.

Based in Moscow for the last 27 years, Prodyut and Sumana run two Indian eateries, “Talk Of The Town” and “Fusion Plaza”.

Both restaurants serve popular Indian dishes like butter chicken, kebabs and a varied vegetarian spread.

During the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2018, there will be 25 per cent discount for those who will possess a Fan ID (required to watch World Cup games).

There will also be gifts and contests on offers during matches in both the restaurants to celebrate the event.

The Mukherjees, hailing from Kolkata, are die-hard fans of Argentina. Despite Albiceleste drawing 1-1 with Iceland in their group opener with Lionel Messi failing to sparkle, they believe Jorge Sampaoli’s team can go the distance.

“I am an Argentina fan. I have booked tickets for a quarterfinal match, a semifinal and of course the final. If Argentina goes on to lift

During the World Cup, there will be 25 per cent discount for those who will possess a Fan ID (required to watch World Cup games).

There will also be gifts and contests on offers during matches in both the restaurants to celebrate the event.

FIFA World Cup 2018, Wikimedia Commons.

“We have been waiting for this World Cup. Indians come in large numbers during the World Cup and we wanted these eateries to be a melting point,” he added.

According to Cutting Edge Events, FIFA’s official sales agency in India for the 2018 World Cup, India is amongst the top 10 countries in terms of number of match tickets bought.

Prodyut came to Moscow to study engineering and later started working for a pharmaceutical company here before trying his hand in business. Besides running the two restaurants with the help of his wife, he was into the distribution of pharmaceutical products.

“After Russia won the first match of the World Cup, the footfall has gone up considerably. The Indians are also flooding in after the 6-9 p.m. game. That is the time both my restaurants remain full,” Prodyut said.

There are also plans to rope in registered fan clubs of Latin American countries, who will throng the restaurants during matches and then follow it up with after-game parties till the wee hours.

“I did get in touch with some of the fan clubs I had prior idea about. They agreed to come over and celebrate the games at our joints. Those will be gala nights when both eateries will remain open all night for them to enjoy,” Prodyut said.

Watching the World Cup is a dream come true for the couple, Sumana said.

“We want to make the Indians who have come here to witness the spectacle and feel at home too. We always extend a helping hand and since we are from West Bengal, we make special dishes for those who come from Bengal,” she added. (IANS)